Written by Whitney Quenneville

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we want to highlight and celebrate Indigenous leaders and interpreters who have facilitated workshops at Murphys Point over the past few years.

In 2018 and 2019, master canoe builder, Chuck Commanda, of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg came to Murphys Point to complete two birch bark canoe builds with park staff and volunteers. One canoe was kept here at the park for visitors to see, and the second was raffled off to raise funds towards future Indigenous programming in the park. Chuck then came back to Murphys Point in 2020 to lead a basket-making workshop. If you would like to learn more about the canoe build, have a look at the videos posted here on our website: https://friendsofmurphyspoint.ca/canoe-build-videos/

In 2021, Helena Neveu of the Batchewana First Nation facilitated a drum-making workshop and drum birthing ceremony. Staff and visitors participated in the creation of drums and rattles and were taught the significance of the building process and of the drum itself. To learn more about the drum-making workshop, click the link to our website article here: https://friendsofmurphyspoint.ca/2021/09/05/drum-making-workshop-2021/

In October of 2023, Marc Forgette, member of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation and the creator of Makatew Workshops, lead a medicine bag workshop for park staff. Not only did this hands-on workshop teach about the history of medicine bags, but focused on the importance of locally sourced crafting materials, cultural appreciation, and pathways to truth and reconciliation. To learn more about Marc and Makatew Workshops, click the link to his website here: https://www.makatew.ca

Most recently, Fire Keeper, Kayl Commanda, of the Nipissing First Nation came to Murphys Point to lead an Anishinaabe Fire Teachings program for staff and park visitors. Kayl shared teachings that they have received relating to fire building, the cultural and ceremonial significance of having a fire, and the role of a Fire Keeper within community.

We are incredibly grateful for the traditional knowledge that has been shared with us during these programs, and we thank you for all of your time and effort spent creating and teaching here at Murphys Point.

Chi-miigwech!